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Dewey-diensten : Educational resources : Resources for public and K-12 libraries

Resources for teachers and students of the DDC

If you work in a public or K–12 library—or use one—you may need information about the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system rather than from it. These resources can help.

  • Looking for a brief introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system to help your users understand better how your library collection is organized? Our brief PowerPoint presentations—one for kids and one for adults—provide a quick, easy-to-understand look at the DDC, which libraries have used for 130 years to organize their collections.

    Here are the PPTs:

  • The DDC 23 Introduction is a full reprint from volume 1 of DDC 23, provides a detailed overview of the DDC, including basic terminology and an explanation of DDC structure, complete with many helpful examples. If you are new to classifying with Dewey, this introduction will help you get started quickly.

    Download the Introduction to DDC 23 [PDF: 87K]

  • The Glossary is also reprinted from volume 1 of DDC 23, provides helpful definitions of DDC terms and gives users a common language for implementing the DDC.

    Download the DDC 23 Glossary [PDF: 40K]

  • If you need a high-level view of the DDC structure, the DDC Summaries are the best place to look.
  • Want to know more about Melvil Dewey, founder of the DDC?
  • Visit the Dewey blog for news and views on classification issues, interesting and unusual DDC resources, and a means to provide ongoing feedback to help shape the DDC's future.